Quick Caramel Apple Dump Cake – Looking for a dessert that’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion? This Quick Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a sweet treat. That combines tender apples, warm spices, gooey caramel. And a buttery cake topping in a single dish. Whether you’re entertaining guests. Or simply craving a slice of comfort. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser. With minimal effort. Just dump, bake, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!
I remember the first time. I made this Quick Caramel Apple Dump Cake. It was a chilly autumn evening. And I was looking for something to warm our hearts. And fill our home with cozy scents. My husband was skeptical at first. Not being a big fan of typical apple desserts. And my little one was too distracted by her toys. To care much about dessert. But when that cake came out of the oven. Bubbling with golden perfection. Everything changed. My daughter took her first bite. And exclaimed, “It’s like eating an apple pie, but better!” My husband. Who usually sticks to chocolate. Couldn’t resist going back for seconds. That’s when I knew. This recipe was a winner!
What makes this Quick Caramel Apple Dump Cake truly stand out?
What makes this Quick Caramel Apple Dump Cake stand out? From other desserts is its simplicity. And the magic of its flavors. The best part about this dessert. Is that it’s incredibly versatile. The gooey, melted caramel squares. Add an extra layer of richness. Complementing the spiced apples perfectly. The cake mix creates a buttery, crumbly topping. That makes every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s one of those rare desserts. Where you can mix everything in one pan. No fancy equipment needed! This recipe is ideal for busy weekdays. When you want to whip up something special. Without spending too much time. In the kitchen. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And you have yourself a dessert. That everyone will be raving about!
What You Need To Make This Quick Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe?
Apple Pie Filling: Whether you use canned. Or homemade apple pie filling. Make sure to choose apples that are firm and tart. To balance the sweetness. Granny Smith apples work wonderfully. If you’re making the filling from scratch.
Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth. And depth to the dessert. You can adjust the amount of nutmeg. According to your taste preference. Or leave it out. If you prefer a simpler flavor.
Caramel Squares: The secret ingredient. That brings a rich, sweet, and gooey texture to this cake. Slicing them in half. Ensures they melt evenly throughout the dish.
Yellow Cake Mix: The unsung hero of this recipe. Yellow cake mix forms a crisp, buttery topping. That contrasts beautifully. With the soft apples beneath.
Melted Butter: It helps create that irresistible golden crust. The butter soaks into the cake mix. Giving it a luscious, moist texture.
Optional Toppings: Salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. Take this dessert to the next level. The cold ice cream contrasts with the warm cake. Making each bite. A delightful experience.
Steps To Make Quick Caramel Apple Dump Cake:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9 casserole dish. Trust me, a little bit of prep goes a long way. To ensure that your cake slides out. Like a dream later on. Set that dish aside. While we mix up some magic!
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Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the apple pie filling, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give it a good stir. Until those warm spices are evenly distributed. Then pour the mixture. Into your prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer. It’s all about that even spread!
Step 3: Next up, arrange your caramel squares. Right on top of the apple layer. It’s like laying little caramel surprises. That will melt into gooey pockets of joy. As the cake bakes. Once the caramels are in place. Pour the yellow cake mix over the top. Gently shake the dish. So the cake mix settles into an even layer.
Step 4: Now, it’s time for the buttery goodness. Drizzle that melted butter evenly over the cake mix. As you do this. You might want to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon over the butter. For an added layer of spice. It’s not necessary. But it’s a secret little tip I like to add. For an extra pop of flavor.
Step 5: Bake for about 45 minutes. Or until the top is a glorious golden brown. And the edges are bubbling. With caramel and apple goodness. Your kitchen will smell like a fall wonderland at this point.
Step 6: Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes. Then scoop into serving bowls. And if you’re feeling indulgent. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Each bite is like a warm hug of caramel, cinnamon, and apples.
Tip:
To elevate your Quick Caramel Apple Dump Cake to gourmet status. Consider adding a crunchy topping. Mix a handful of oats, brown sugar, and a touch of melted butter. Then sprinkle this mixture. Over the top before baking. This creates a delicious crumble. That complements the gooey apple-caramel layers beneath. For a more festive touch. Try adding a teaspoon of allspice. Or cloves to the filling. For a hint of holiday spice. These subtle tweaks. Turn a simple dump cake. Into a decadent dessert masterpiece. Perfect for impressing guests. Or indulging on a cozy night in. As the cake bakes. The butter seeps through the dry cake mix. And apple layers. Transforming it into a soft, buttery topping. With an irresistible texture. That adds a surprising crunch. To every bite. Top it off with vanilla ice cream. And salted caramel drizzle. For an added dimension of flavor. That will have everyone. Asking for seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh apples. Peel and slice them. Then toss with some sugar and lemon juice. Before adding to the casserole dish. You might need to cook them slightly longer to soften.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the cake ahead of time. And refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. If you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze leftover dump cake?
Certainly! Once the cake has cooled completely. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. And store it in the freezer. For up to two months. Reheat individual servings in the microwave. Or oven.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Quick Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 2 20 ounces cans apple pie filling, or 5 c homemade apple pie filling
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg optional
- 1 ½ c caramel squares sliced in half
- 1 13.25 ounces box yellow cake mix
- ¾ c 1.5 sticks melted butter
Optional Toppings:
- Salted caramel sauce
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9 casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. To ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Mix the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the apple pie filling, ground cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. Until the apples are coated evenly. Pour this mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out smoothly with a spatula.
- Add Caramel and Cake Mix: Arrange the caramel squares evenly. Over the apple layer. Open the yellow cake mix. Sprinkle it evenly over the caramel and apples. Smooth the cake mix into a level layer. Covering all the apples.
- Pour the Butter: Melt the butter. Then pour it evenly over the top of the cake mix. Ensure that every part of the cake mix gets a drizzle. Which will help it bake. Into a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. And bake for about 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown. And the edges should be bubbling. With caramel and apple goodness.
- Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly. Before scooping it into bowls. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream. And a drizzle of salted caramel sauce if desired. Enjoy your delicious dessert!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
